Rosh Hashanah marks beginning of Jewish New Year

(WXYZ) - We'd like to wish a Happy New Year to the Jewish community of metro Detroit. Rosh Hashanah begins tonight at sundown and continues for two days.

Rosh Hashanah means "Head of the Year," which indicates the beginning of the Jewish year.

The holiday celebrates the anniversary of Adam and Eve, which in (religious practice) represents the birthday of mankind, and highlights the relationship between God and humanity.

The main observance of Rosh Hashanah is the sounding of the shofar (the ram's horn). The shofar is sounded generally on both days of Rosh Hashanah; unless the first day falls on Shabbat----the seventh day Sabbath. In which case, the horn is thereby sounded on the second day.

Observations also include blessing one another with the words Leshanah tovah tikateiv veteichateim, in Hebrew this means "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year."

The holiday is celebrated by eating pieces of apple dipped in honey to symbolize a desire for a sweet year.

Other foods eaten represent special significance and symbolize: blessings, sweetness, and abundance.

The end of the holiday is marked by candle lighting; women and young girls light candles on each evening of Rosh Hashanah and recite appropriate blessings.

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